254 CONFESSIONS OF A BEACHCOMBER 



What may be designated the Lower Studio is on the 

 eastern slope, and is only to be approached from the sea in 

 calm weather, the alternative route being a tiresome climb, 

 a long and tormenting struggle through the jungle, and a 

 descent among a confusion of rocks and boulders. It is 

 situated about a couple of hundred feet above sea-level, 

 quite hidden in the leafy wilderness which covers that 

 aspect of the island from high-water mark to the summit of 

 the ridge. Unless the spot was indicated, one might search 

 for it for years in vain, and though I had made frequent 

 inquiries, its existence was made known only by chance, 

 its importance being considered insignificant compared 

 with the other studio, the glories of which had frequently 

 been descanted upon. Taking the sea-route, there is a 

 natural harbour available, just capacious enough for a small 

 dingy, and up above the rocks, swept bare by the surges, a 

 dense and tangled scrub "whereto the climber upwards 

 turns his face," and taking advantage of such aids as aerial 

 roots, slim saplings, and the reed-like growths of the so- 

 called native ginger, begins the steep ascent. Where the 

 rock does not emerge from the surface, the black soil is 

 loose and kept in perpetual cultivation by scrub fowl, the 

 wonder being that earth reposes at such an angle. But 

 for interlacing and matted roots all must slide down to 

 the sea. 



A few minutes' exertion lands one at the portal of the 

 studio, which is of the lean-to order of architecture, a 

 granite boulder having one fairly vertical face being over- 

 shadowed by a much higherTrock having a dip of about 60 

 degrees. 



Here originally there were five exhibits. Two have 

 weathered away almost to nothingness, some faint streaks 

 and blotches of red earth, in which medium all the pictures 

 have been executed, alone remaining. Those subjects that 

 are readily decipherable are mutilated after the style of 

 certain much-prized antiques. 



Of those which have successfully withstood the ravages 

 of time, two apparently represent lizards, and the third 



